INDIAN mining company Adani is one step closer to being the first to mine the Galilee Basin’s vast coal reserves after the Queensland Government approved mining leases for its Carmichael project.
Three mining leases about 160km north-west of Clermont and estimated to contain 11 billion tonnes of thermal coal were approved this week.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the approvals are a major step forward after ‘extensive government and community scrutiny’.
“Some approvals are still required before construction can start, and ultimately committing to the project will be a decision for Adani,” the Premier said.
“However, I know the people of north and central Queensland will welcome this latest progress for the potential jobs and economic development it brings closer for their communities.
“At the same time, stringent conditions will continue to protect the environment, landholders’ and traditional owners’ interests, and our iconic Great Barrier Reef.”
Adani’s Carmichael project has been the subject of multiple high profile legal challenges from traditional land owners and environmental groups. While two cases are still in progress, Adani said the approvals provided the certainty needed to progress the project.
“Adani has consistently said that what is required for its projects to proceed is certainty on approvals. This key approval helps provide that with respect to Carmichael,” a company statement said.
“Absent additional legal challenges designed to delay progress on this export-creating mine, the next phase of the project, following this key approval, will see a return to the pre-engineering work that had to be suspended in 2015 with the loss of certainty on approvals timelines that had occurred at that time.
“Concurrent with that, the company will continue to finalise second tier approvals, with the clear aim of commencing construction in calendar year 2017.”
AREEA welcomed the approvals as an opportunity for economic and employment growth at a time when resources investment into Australia has tapered off considerably.
“Adani’s Carmichael mine and rail project will deliver much-needed economic and employment benefits for Queensland,” said AREEA executive director of policy and public affairs, Scott Barklamb.
“A potential 5,000 new jobs during construction will be welcomed by resources employees moving on from major LNG and other mining projects recently completed in Queensland.
“A further 4,500 people employed during peak operation of the Carmichael mine will see Queensland families and regional communities benefit from this project for decades.
“This multi-billion dollar project will also deliver critical infrastructure in the Galilee Basin, bolster local business opportunities, and generate millions of dollars in taxes and royalties to help fund important public services.
“The Queensland and federal governments have examined both environmental and economic considerations at length and reached a clear decision that this project will benefit our country.”
